Extinguish Fire Risk in the Kitchen

Kitchens are hot spots in homes and organizations – literally. They’re a common source of fires in homes and religious properties, according to the National Fire Protection Association, and the risk of fire increases during the holidays.  

Whether you’re making a meal for a holiday get-together or helping to prepare a meal that will be delivered to the less-fortunate in your area, it’s important to make fire safety a priority:

DO equip the kitchen with fully operational smoke alarms and fire extinguishers. Review this checklist for smoke detector and fire extinguisher guidelines.

DON’T let children near cooking appliances. If they’re helping out in the kitchen, require that they stay at least three feet away from the stove. Position cookware handles inward so pots and pans can’t be tipped or bumped.

DO move paper bags, pot holders, recipe cards, wooden utensils and other items that can catch fire away from cooking surfaces. One item you do want in easy reach? A pan lid or baking sheet that can quickly extinguish a pan fire.

DON’T wear tops with loose, long sleeves that could brush a burner and catch fire. Roll up your sleeves or wear a top with short sleeves. If you have long hair, pull it back.

DO thoroughly clean cooking surfaces and floors and walls around cooking appliances regularly to prevent grease buildup. At a minimum, a once-weekly wipe-down is recommended.

DON’T get distracted and don’t leave your cooking unattended. If you need to leave the kitchen, turn burners off before leaving. Use a timer to help you keep tabs on food baking in the oven.

DO hire a qualified contractor to service your kitchen’s ventilation hood, grease-removal devices, fans, ducts and other equipment to prevent grease buildup. Aim to do this every six months, or more frequently if there’s heavy grease accumulation.

 

SOURCES: GuideOne Center for Risk Management, LLC | National Fire Protection Association | U.S. Fire Administration | American Red Cross

Filed under Religious Organizations Nonprofit
GuideOne Insurance

GuideOne Insurance

Corporate Communications & Marketing

GuideOne's Corporate Communications & Marketing team works with subject matter experts across various business units to develop helpful resources and insightful articles for our policyholders and distribution partners. 

© 2024 GuideOne Insurance. GuideOne® is the registered trademark of the GuideOne Insurance Company. All rights reserved. This material is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to give specific legal or risk management advice, nor are any suggested checklists or action plans intended to include or address all possible risk management exposures or solutions. You are encouraged to retain your own expert consultants and legal advisors in order to develop a risk management plan specific to your own activities.